West Ham are back in the Championship, ending a 14-year stay in the top flight in the process. The club is capable of reaching the Premier League at the first opportunity, though, despite a few key players being in poor form at the moment. However, whether it’s in January or next summer following a glorious promotion campaign, acquisitions need to be made.
For many clubs right now, looking across the pond and around Europe for talented American players is a particular preference. Already, there are numerous stars appearing in the Premier League, with the likes of Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson being some of the standout American stars in the league. It proves there are viable propositions from the United States of America, a country that will surely aim to build on the momentum of the 2026 World Cup.
There is work to be done if we’re to see more American players plying their trade in English football, though, but the signs are there. Football will undoubtedly never supersede attending baseball games and betting Sunday night NFL in that particular part of the world, but we could see even more American talent emerge in the near future. For West Ham, it’s therefore worth exploring. With that in mind, below are some American transfer targets the club should assess.
Chris Richards – Crystal Palace
If West Ham are to stand a chance of staying up in the Premier League next season and beyond, the defence needs a bit of work. With Crystal Palace selling a number of key players in recent times, testing their resolve with a bid for Chris Richards makes a lot of sense. The American centre-back has become one of the most reliable defenders in the entire competition.
Christian Pulisic – AC Milan
As the US men’s national team’s star player, there is always a lot of pressure placed on the shoulders of Christian Pulisic. The former Chelsea man has the ability to win games on his own though, despite not really showing it during his time with the Blues. Should the Hammers get back into the Premier League next season, then the 27-year-old would undoubtedly entertain the idea of experiencing English football’s top league once again.
Haji Wright – Coventry City
While the jury’s out on Haji Wright in the Premier League as things currently stand, there is no denying just how impressive the striker’s goalscoring form has been in the Championship over recent years. Wright scored 17 goals during the promotion season for the Sky Blues, and while he’s currently out injured at the time of writing, he’s a player who could do the same in English football’s top flight. For West Ham – a club that has struggled for goals in the Premier League – Haji Wright could become an option.
Folarin Balogun – Monaco
After deciding to turn down a move to Everton this summer after getting cold feet on a potential deal, Folarin Balogun could be looking for another Premier League club to join in the near future. A proven goal machine in Ligue 1, the former Arsenal youngster would surely jump at the chance to play top-flight English football.
Weston McKennie – Juventus
Bolstering the midfield should be another priority for the Hammers should Premier League football be on the cards next season. Weston McKennie is a player who is obtainable, although it depends on how many minutes he gets for Italian giants Juventus this season. Should he find himself on the fringes, then the former Leeds United loanee could be a tempting option for West Ham United.
